Be aware of the signs of child abuse.

General Signs
Source: Mayo Clinic

• Withdrawal from friends or usual activities
• Changes in behavior — such as aggression, anger, hostility or hyperactivity — or changes in school performance
• Depression, anxiety or a sudden loss of self-confidence
• An apparent lack of supervision
• Frequent absences from school or reluctance to ride the school bus
• Reluctance to leave school activities, as if he or she doesn't want to go home
• Attempts at running away
• Rebellious or defiant behavior
• Attempts at suicide

Sexual Abuse of Children
Source: StopItNow.org

Any one sign doesn't mean that a child was sexually abused, but the presence of several suggests that you begin asking questions and consider seeking help. Keep in mind that some of these signs can emerge at other times of stress such as: 

• During a divorce 
  
• Death of a family member or pet 
  
• Problems at school or with friends 
  
• Other anxiety-inducing or traumatic events 

Behavior you may see in a child or adolescent 

• Has nightmares or other sleep problems without an explanation 
  
• Seems distracted or distant at odd times 
  
• Has a sudden change in eating habits 
  
• Sudden mood swings: rage, fear, insecurity or withdrawal 
  
• Leaves “clues” that seem likely to provoke a discussion about sexual issues 
  
• Writes, draws, plays or dreams of sexual or frightening images 
  
• Develops new or unusual fear of certain people or places 
  
• Refuses to talk about a secret shared with an adult or older child 
  
• Talks about a new older friend 
  
• Suddenly has money, toys or other gifts without reason 
  
• Thinks of self or body as repulsive, dirty or bad 
  
• Exhibits adult-like sexual behaviors, language and knowledge 

Signs more typical of younger children 

• An older child behaving like a younger child (such as bed-wetting or thumb sucking) 
  
• Has new words for private body parts 
  
• Resists removing clothes when appropriate times (bath, bed, toileting, diapering) 
  
• Asks other children to behave sexually or play sexual games 
  
• Mimics adult-like sexual behaviors with toys or stuffed animal 
  
• Wetting and soiling accidents unrelated to toilet training

Signs more typical in adolescents 

• Self-injury (cutting, burning) 
  
• Inadequate personal hygiene 
  
• Drug and alcohol abuse 
  
• Sexual promiscuity 
  
• Running away from home 
  
• Depression, anxiety 
  
• Suicide attempts 
  
• Fear of intimacy or closeness 
  
• Compulsive eating or dieting 

Physical warning signs 
Physical signs of sexual abuse are rare. If you see these signs, bring your child to a doctor. Your 
doctor can help you understand what may be happening and test for sexually transmitted diseases. 

• Pain, discoloration, bleeding or discharges in genitals, anus or mouth 
  
• Persistent or recurring pain during urination and bowel movements
  
• Wetting and soiling accidents unrelated to toilet training 

Physical Abuse of Children
Source: Mayo Clinic

• Unexplained injuries, such as bruises, fractures or burns
• Injuries that don't match the given explanation
• Untreated medical or dental problems

Emotional Abuse of Children
Follow this link to our partner website to learn more. 

---